Stir Up Spiritual Passion

When you sense the fire growing dim, stir up spiritual passion by returning to prayer, sound teaching, and bold witness as 2 Timothy 1 urges believers to stir up the Spirit’s flame and serve without shame or fear.

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:6).

Timothy was special to Paul—an apprentice, friend, and companion. Paul knew that Timothy had received a strong spiritual foundation from his grandmother and mother, and Paul himself had laid hands on Timothy. He’d been empowered by the Holy Spirit, anointed, and called by God.

Yet Paul felt compelled to remind Timothy about his need to “fan into flame the gift of God.” We may assume that the flame once had burned brighter in Timothy’s life. The gifts, anointing, passion, and flame of the Holy Spirit were still present, but the fire had grown dimmer than at first.

The answer was to rekindle the gift Timothy had received. But how?

First, he needed to dedicate himself more to God’s Word and spend more time listening to sound teaching. Also, Paul said Timothy needed to be more active in spreading the Gospel—be willing to face tough situations and not “be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner.” Paul challenged Timothy to exercise his spiritual gifts and “share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God” (v. 8).

Ask God to help you rekindle the flame He’s put within you. Dedicate yourself afresh to prayer and the study of His Word, so you’ll be able to put your faith into action.

Be filled with the Spirit, so you can face life unafraid, knowing that He is with you in every situation.

Reflection Question: Is the flame of your faith burning brightly?